Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals Review

Let’s Talk About Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

The Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is a sleek and lightweight everyday carry (EDC) knife featuring Kershaw’s innovative composite blade technology. This knife combines two different steels to maximize performance, pairing corrosion resistance with excellent edge retention. Kershaw, a brand known for its quality and innovation, aims to deliver a premium EDC experience with this Dividend model.

I was looking for a lightweight but capable folding knife that could handle daily tasks without weighing down my pocket. My older EDC was a tank – reliable, sure, but felt like carrying a brick. I specifically wanted something with a unique blade design and assisted opening, as speed and convenience are important to me.

Upon unboxing, the olive anodized aluminum handle immediately caught my eye; it felt sturdy yet remarkably light. The composite blade’s “toothlike” pattern was definitely striking, and the knife felt well-balanced in hand. However, the initial sharpness was underwhelming, and I noticed a small blemish on the pocket clip.

I was also considering the Benchmade Bugout and the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight. I ultimately chose the Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals because of its unique composite blade technology and assisted opening mechanism, which seemed like a good balance of performance and convenience. Plus, the sale price made it an attractive option. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; intrigued by the design but concerned about the initial sharpness and cosmetic issues.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals during a weekend camping trip and around the house for various tasks. The knife was used for food prep (cutting vegetables and opening packages), making kindling, and general campsite tasks like cutting rope. In dry conditions, the aluminum handle provided a secure grip, and the assisted opening was quick and reliable.

However, when the handle got wet from morning dew, it became noticeably slippery. I also discovered the factory edge needed significant work to achieve a truly sharp, reliable cutting edge.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals has proven to be a decent EDC option but not without its flaws. The D2 steel edge has held up well after I sharpened it, showing good wear resistance, but the N690 upper portion of the blade hasn’t seen much action. The olive anodized finish on the handle has started to show some minor scratches, especially around the pocket clip area.

Cleaning the knife is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my old EDC, this knife is significantly lighter and easier to carry, but the initial quality issues and slippery handle in wet conditions are disappointing.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm). A useful size for EDC, allowing for both detail work and general cutting tasks.
• Blade Steel: CPM D2 / Bohler N690. The composite blade combines the wear resistance of D2 on the cutting edge with the corrosion resistance and hardness of N690 on the upper portion of the blade.
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This lightweight and strong aluminum provides a solid grip and contributes to the knife’s overall lightweight design.
• Overall Length: 7.25 inches (18.5 cm). A comfortable size for most hands, providing good control during use.
• Weight: 2.8 oz. (82 g). This very lightweight design makes it easy to carry all day without feeling weighed down.
• Opening Action: Assisted SpeedSafe. Provides quick and easy one-handed opening with the flipper.
• Lock Type: Liner Lock. This simple and reliable lock keeps the blade securely open during use.
• Pocketclip: 4-position deep-carry (right/left; tip-up/down). The versatile pocketclip allows for comfortable and discreet carry in various positions.

These specifications highlight the Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals‘s focus on lightweight design, ease of carry, and a unique blade construction intended to offer the best of both D2 and N690 steels. The assisted opening and versatile pocketclip add to the knife’s overall convenience and usability.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals performs adequately as an EDC knife after addressing the initial sharpness issue. The D2 edge holds well, but the design seems more focused on aesthetics than maximizing the benefits of the composite blade. While the SpeedSafe assisted opening works flawlessly, the liner lock is a bit stiff initially, requiring some break-in.

The main strength is its lightweight and slim profile, making it comfortable for pocket carry. The weak point is the handle’s slipperiness when wet and the questionable initial quality control. It meets basic expectations for an EDC knife but doesn’t necessarily exceed them, especially given the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent, with the aluminum handle feeling solid and the blade well-centered. The 2.8-ounce weight is outstanding for a knife of this size; it virtually disappears in the pocket. Ergonomically, the handle is comfortable for most hand sizes, although the lack of aggressive texturing can be an issue in wet conditions.

There’s a slight learning curve with the liner lock due to its stiffness, but overall, the design is user-friendly. The knife is easy to deploy and feels balanced in hand.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals should last for several years of EDC use. The D2 steel requires occasional oiling to prevent corrosion, and the aluminum handle may show wear and tear over time. The liner lock is relatively simple to maintain, and replacement parts (screws, pocket clip) are usually available from Kershaw.

Maintaining the knife is relatively simple, requiring only occasional sharpening and cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals comes with a standard Kershaw box and paperwork, but no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, but aftermarket pocket clips are available if you want to change the style or color. The knife is compatible with most standard knife lubricants and sharpening tools.

There are not many accessories that come with the knife but there are options to customize the look and feel of the pocket clip and handle.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals?

The Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals is perfect for individuals looking for a lightweight and stylish EDC knife with assisted opening. This would be ideal for those who value convenience and ease of carry. It’s a great option for office workers, students, or anyone who needs a non-threatening tool for basic cutting tasks.

Those who require a knife for heavy-duty tasks or need a secure grip in wet conditions should skip this product. Also, buyers who prioritize flawless factory edges and impeccable quality control might be disappointed. A must-have modification would be aftermarket handle scales or grip tape to improve wet-weather performance.

Conclusion on Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals

The Kershaw Dividend Olive Composite Assisted Folding Knife by Kershaw Originals offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, assisted opening, and a unique composite blade. However, the initial sharpness issues and slippery handle detract from the overall experience. The price is somewhat justified by the materials and Kershaw‘s reputation, but the quality control needs improvement.

I would recommend this knife with reservations. If you’re willing to put in some effort to sharpen the blade and potentially add grip enhancements, it can be a decent EDC option. If you want a perfect knife out of the box, look elsewhere. Check it out, but be prepared to possibly do some modifications yourself!